U.S. Passes Law as Opioid Epidemic Reaches New Heights

Drug addiction is one of the biggest issues facing society today. There’s no denying that this problem has grown so much over the years, as many millions of people have lost their lives prematurely due to drug overdoses or health complications.

Recent statistics show that a startling number of Americans are overdosing on drugs, especially as the opioid epidemic grips a tighter hold than ever on the nation and its people.

In 2017 alone, there were upwards of 72,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S., with the sharpest rise coming in deaths related to fentanyl and synthetic opioids, which approached nearly 30,000 deaths. Every drug overdose can be fatal, and with celebrities and public figures like Demi Lovato, Mac Miller, and Tom Petty suffering from overdoses in the past few years. Grieving families and friends are pushing for something serious to be done before other loved ones go through their same painful journey.

Drugs present horrible, heartbreaking consequences that can tear families and friendships apart. It can be so hard to watch the people you love be pummeled and punished by their addictions, especially when it has an awful effect on their careers, educations, health and relationships.

It’s important that those who do drugs or drink excessively get the help and medical attention they need before it’s too late.

This idea is central to a new law that’s recently been signed off on by the U.S. Government, which has been facing the difficult, multi-faceted drug crisis for decades, although the last 10 years have reached new levels of urgency and usage.

Drug addicts are human beings with emotions and feelings that come into play as they struggle with a deadly disease.

Future-Oriented Legislature

Recent presidents have been expected to do something to combat the opioid epidemic and the drug crisis that’s gripping the nation. During his eight years in the Oval Office, President Barack Obama worked tirelessly to decriminalize drugs to get people the help they needed and treat marijuana and other drug usage as a public health issue rather than a severe crime. Now, the U.S. Government has taken steps to further assist people in their efforts to overcome addiction, as well as prevent addiction from the get-go.

“Together we are going to end the scourge of drug addiction in America,” Trump said at a White House event announcing the signing of the new legislature. “We are going to end it, or we are going to at least make an extremely big dent in this terrible, terrible problem.”

This opioid-centered legislation is a rare example of the current democrats and republicans agreeing on something, with both chambers of Congress showing overwhelming support of this legislation and the obvious need for change on the drug fighting front.

The expansive healthcare package will concentrate on creating comprehensive recovery centers for those suffering from opioid addiction, as well as opening access to treatment and medical services by lifting restrictions on Medicaid and Medicare coverage. This is very important, as oftentimes addicts find themselves with little resources and not enough money to pay out of pocket for treatment.

Furthermore, this legislation will try to cut back on shipments of illegal substances to the U.S., as well as reduce over-prescription of opioids across the country. Funding will also be set aside for government research into non-addictive drugs that could make a difference in pain management.

Overall, this is a step in the right direction as it will try to increase the opportunities for treatment while hopefully decreasing the amount of harmful substances getting into U.S. communities in the first place.

Critical Situation

With opioids claiming more than 115 lives every day throughout the country, this is an essential step, especially because of how quickly people can become addicted. All it takes is one dose to kill a person in some cases.

Oftentimes, advocates for drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation services can be seen and heard emotionally fighting for more to be done.They understand firsthand how crucial every little bit of help can be.

The effects of drug abuse are widespread, from crime rates to family violence and premature death. So many families have been adversely affected by the soul-sucking cycle of drug dependence.These grieving parents, children, spouses and friends are pushing for greater action and more resources.

While it may be too late for their loved ones, their families and friends can use their personal experiences to promote this problem and potential solutions. These advocates are a large part of why the U.S. government has continuedits quest to ease the pain and suffering that so many drugs cause each day.

Addiction is a disease with deadly consequences that all areas of government – local, state and federal – must try to address appropriately and accurately. From educating the public on what to say to someone struggling with addiction so as to provide more support and less judgment, to making health and survival a priority over jail time for drug-related offenders, there’s a lot to be done for this deadly drug issue that goes far beyond the surface.

Part of the problem of drug addictionis when people are under the influence of drugs, they do things they shouldn’t. It’s sad and scary to hear about the vicious crimes and violent home invasions that people never would have perpetrated if they were sober. Even sothe more treatment and rehabilitation that can be made available, the more decreases there will be in overdose deaths and serious crime.

Hope for the Future

Despite the dire circumstances our country there’s hope on the horizon for a better future. The number of senseless, preventable deaths can be reduced if people join forces to continue pushing for more government and community action in anti-addiction efforts.

If you or someone you love is suffering through substance addiction, please remember there is help and resources out there that can make a monumental difference if you just give them a try.